This year I've decided to sketch many of The Great Holy Men and Women of the Church. Come along with me on this journey as we get to know our elder brothers and sisters in faith.

"And therefore we also having so great a cloud of witnesses over our head, laying aside every weight and sin which surrounds us, let us run by patience to the fight proposed to us," Heb 12:1

Pio of Pietrelcina

September 23

Pio of Pietrelcina (Latin: Pivs Beneventvs; May 25, 1887- September 23 1968) was born in southern Italy to a devout family. He was ordained as a priest-monk of the Capuchin Order, at the age of 23. Despite his poor health, he became a much sought after spiritual father and confessor. He became widely recognized for countless miracles, and spiritual gifts. Pio became famous for bearing the stigmata for most of his life, which generated much interest and controversy around him.